Petaluma trustees approve phased cell‑phone restrictions; district will refine enforcement and tracking

The Petaluma City Schools Board on Wednesday adopted a new board policy (BP 5131.8) to standardize how mobile communications devices are handled across district schools. The policy establishes a timeline in which both high schools will implement uniform classroom procedures in the 2025–26 school year and a district‑wide phone‑free full school day for secondary students beginning in 2026–27.

Superintendent Esmeralda Sanchez Mosley and staff outlined the timeline and enforcement approaches. For 2025–26, principals will require consistent classroom procedures such as pocket charts or device caddies at the start of instructional periods and will prohibit devices from being taken to restrooms; the board policy directs that these practices be codified in school handbooks and accompanied by staff training. For 2026–27, the policy sets the goal of phone‑free high school days while asking staff to convene teachers, students and administrators this year to refine procedures for off‑campus lunch and for eleventh and twelfth graders who go off campus.

Enforcement and equity concerns: Trustees and commenters asked how the district will track disciplinary actions to ensure consistent application and to avoid disproportionate impact on particular student groups. Esmeralda said referrals will continue to be logged through existing referral systems so staff can review whether disciplinary outcomes are consistent across sites and student populations. The policy also specifies that staff are not financially responsible for student devices and that device confiscation is one of a suite of progressive responses ranging from verbal reminders to parent contact and counseling referrals — suspension is not an authorized response for phone‑use violations.

Implementation details: Staff told trustees they will review examples from other California districts (including San Mateo Union High School’s use of Yondr pouches), research costs of locking pouches or similar tools, and work with community partners and families on potential grant support for equipment if needed. Trustees asked that any future change to transportation or other student supports include at least a one‑month transition period to allow families and activities to adapt.

Reaction from the public: Several speakers had earlier urged clear communications and equitable enforcement. Marquita Lee, a parent, asked how disciplinary data will be tracked and how parents will be notified about repeated referrals; Esmeralda replied that staff will prepare communication plans and that principals will be trained on consistent procedures.

What the board approved: The board adopted BP 5131.8 and directed staff to finalize handbook language, staff training and a family communications plan ahead of the 2025–26 school year. Trustees recorded the policy vote during the meeting’s action items.

Next steps: District staff will draft and publish the handbook procedures, prepare training for teachers and administrators, and report back with early implementation data and any disparities uncovered by referral tracking.